From the article: Top 5 Semi-Automatic Deer/Big Game Hunting Rifles
Semi-automatic rifles can be very effective hunting tools. Do you have a favorite semi-auto for hunting deer and other big game? If so, let us know what it is, and why you think it's the best semi-auto deer rifle. Do not ask a question or expect a reply! I cannot reply to you. Please post in the forum if you have a question.
What's Your Favorite?
john bramhall
- My Dad won a Remington 742 in .308 when I was 16. It has been my deer rifle for 45 years. Being from upstate NY I have hunted in some pretty severe conditions and it has never missed a beat. Most of my kills have been "one shot" but when a second or third was needed my 742 was always reliable. Thank you Remington.
- —johnbramhall
My Hard Hitting ONE SHOT ONE KILL Semi
- I'm Disabled, so in PA I'm allowed to use a semi-auto rifle. I use a Egyptian HEKIM 8mm.
- —Guest Mike Brugos
Remington 742 Woodmaster
- I own a 1963 742 Woodmaster in 30-06 and it has taken many a deer. I've only had to search a few yards to find my game. It is very accurate and shoots like new. Luckily, it has never jammed on me. It might be a little heavy, but it doesn't break your shoulder to fire it. I plan to keep it a while longer.
- —Guest Victor M. Ulloa
Semi auto hunting rifle
- I'm very partial to AR type rifles. While many are put off simply by the looks and reputation, the simple fact of the matter is that it's versatile, lightweight, rugged and accurate. I have an Olympic Arms chambered in 6.8 SPC, topped with a Leupold 3-9x40 on a see through scope base. While my experiences with Olympic haven't been that great, my experiences with the rifle and the caliber have been excellent. Easily capable of sub moa grouping at 100 yards, and delivering ballistic data comparable to a .308 out to 600 meters, it also has the capability for high capacity magazines. Very comforting here in the pacific northwest, home to many bear and cougar.
- —Guest Devil_Doc
M1 Garand
- It shoots circles around all others and it's battle proven. I used it for a Colorado Mule Deer Buck. Never took it out soon after I purchased a new Sako Finnsport in 300wm & had it bedded, scoped & set up to fire at mule deer. I've also used it for Bison and Elk.
- —sako300m
Newer SA
- I have shot all the rifles mentioned and prefer my FN AR which is a version of the BAR. Less than 1 MOA with any ammo and very quick handling and reliable.
- —Guest MDH
Rem 742 Woodmaster
- I have a Rem 742 Woodsmaster 30-06. I have taken deer with it from 30 yards to 300 yards. My Woodsmaster has never jammed. I heard about the jamming, maybe I'm one of the few.
- —Guest A A
hunter
- My favorite is a Russian SKS with compact 3-9x40 scope and sporter stock. With cheap ammo, I feel it's the best combination for me.
- —Guest Neil
Argo Benelli R1
- My favorite is the R1. Quick follow up shots, no jams, no kick. 1 inch group at 100 meters with Sellier & Bellot ammo (spce 150 grain).
- —Guest luke peterson
30-06
- I think the 30-06 is the best because you can use it to hunt anything from varmint to elk and if you get a semi-auto a kid can use because the buffer system.
- —Guest db
Remington 742 Jammaster
- I've shot a Remington 742 in 30/06 since the late 60s and taken many deer & 1 elk with it. Base on my experience & through talking to other 742 owners and several gunsmith it seems the gun is very picky when it comes to the ammo it will cycle reliably, that's why they call it the Jam Master. Mine works best with round nosed ammo. If I shoot spire point or polymer tipped ammo the spire points almost always are damaged during the cycling and feeding process and if I try shooting some of the "premium" stuff such as the old "failsafe" or Hornandy partitions the gun becomes a single shot. I also have a BAR in 338 win mag that is Great! Never fails to cycle no matter what bullet shape or load I feed it.
- —theshootingmall
favorite semi-auto rifle
- Mine is my ar-10. Its drawback is that it's a bit heavy. In every other way it's my absolute fav.
- —Guest rbar10us
